What does Arthor mean and where does it come from?
The name Arthor is a variant of Arthur, common in English and Welsh cultures. The meaning has associations with 'bear', derived from the Celtic root 'arto-'. Historically, the name is famous due to its connection with King Arthur of the Arthurian legends, a symbol of chivalry and valor. The name was
Cultural significance
Arthor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bear.
Peak popularity
Reached #1086 in 1896 — currently #9830 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Arthor?
Arthor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Arthor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Arthor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Arthor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Arthor Claire
French influence · crisp
Arthor Jane
Literary · strong
Arthor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Arthor right now?
Rising fast — up 85 spots — currently #9830 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9830 | 7 | ▲ up 85 |
| 2022 | #9915 | 7 | ▼ down 6173 · +17% births |
| 1960 | #3742 | 6 | ▼ down 470 · -14% births |
| 1955 | #3272 | 7 | ▼ down 1024 · -42% births |
| 1950 | #2248 | 12 | ▲ up 209 · +33% births |
| 1945 | #2457 | 9 | ▲ up 78 |
| 1940 | #2535 | 9 | ▼ down 359 · -25% births |
| 1935 | #2176 | 12 | ▼ down 254 · -25% births |
| 1930 | #1922 | 16 | ▲ up 887 · +60% births |
| 1925 | #2809 | 10 | ▼ down 962 · -47% births |
| 1920 | #1847 | 19 | ▲ up 669 · +90% births |
| 1915 | #2516 | 10 | ▼ down 1146 · +100% births |
| 1905 | #1370 | 5 | — |
The story of Arthor
Arthor has been a beloved American name for over 128 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1896. With 588 total births recorded, Arthor remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1370 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9830 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Arthor in 1896:
Arthor by decade
Arthor peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 6 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 85 | |
| 1920s ★ | 154 | |
| 1930s | 130 | |
| 1940s | 113 | |
| 1950s | 74 | |
| 1960s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Arthor has only 588 total recorded births since 1896 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Arthor?
What names sound and feel like Arthor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Arthor also consider these
Common questions about the name Arthor
What does the name Arthor mean?
Arthor means "Bear" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Arthor?
Arthor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Arthor have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Arthor?
Arthor originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Arthor trending right now?
Arthor is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Arthor a common or rare name?
Arthor is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.